South Warwickshire Community Beds Report - Past patients

Healthwatch Warwickshire undertook research on experiences of community hospital beds in South Warwickshire. They received 118 responses from people who had used community beds at Ellen Badger Hospital or the Nicol Unit, or from their carers, friends and family members, to help inform a review of discharge and rehabilitation services.

The feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Most respondents said they would have preferred to stay in a community hospital for ongoing treatment and rehabilitation, and many continued to hold this view after discharge. People valued the quality of care, rehabilitation support, nursing provision, the safe environment and being close to home and family. The words most commonly used to describe their experience were “supported”, “happy” and “reassured”, with many praising the kindness, professionalism and dedication of staff. 

The main benefits identified were the quality of care received, support with rehabilitation and the gradual transition from acute hospital care back to independent living. Most people were discharged home, either independently or with support. However, some respondents felt their rehabilitation could have been improved through increased access to physiotherapy, more staff resources, better communication with families during the Covid-19 pandemic and greater involvement in decisions about care. A small number also raised concerns about complaints handling and communication regarding do not resuscitate decisions. 

Overall, respondents strongly supported retaining community hospital beds and described them as an important part of recovery and rehabilitation. Many felt that community hospitals provided a more personal, supportive and homely environment than acute hospitals and regarded the service as vital for helping people regain independence and return home safely.